Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• Pasta: 300 grams (any type you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• Salt: For boiling the pasta

For the Sauce:

• Onion: 1, finely chopped 🧅
• Mushrooms: 5 medium, sliced 🍄
• Bell Peppers: 2 (any color), diced 🫑 🌶
• Corn: 1/2 cup 🌽 (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons 🍅
• Water: 1/2 cup
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric: 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt: To taste
• Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Save a cup of the pasta water for later use, in case you need to thin the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms start to release their moisture and brown slightly.
2. Add the Bell Peppers and Corn:
   • Toss in the diced bell peppers and corn. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
3. Season the Vegetables:
   • Sprinkle in the paprika, black pepper, turmeric, and salt. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Water:
   • Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
   • Pour in 1/2 cup of water and mix well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Together:
   • Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
2. Cook Until Well Combined:
   • Let the pasta and sauce cook together for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Serve

1. Plate the Pasta:
   • Remove the pan from heat and transfer the pasta to serving plates.
   • Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
2. Enjoy Your Meal!
   • Serve hot, and enjoy your delightful Vegan Vegetable Pasta.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Sugars: 8g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Vitamin A: 2400 IU
• Vitamin C: 60mg
• Iron: 2mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even vegetable-based pasta like spinach or beetroot pasta. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the type of pasta you choose.

2. What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can get creative with this recipe. Try adding zucchini, spinach, broccoli, peas, or even eggplant. The more vegetables, the merrier!

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine them.

4. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this is a great meal prep recipe. Divide the cooked pasta into airtight containers and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to freshen up the sauce.

5. Can I make this dish oil-free?
To make it oil-free, you can sauté the vegetables using vegetable broth instead of olive oil. This will still give you a flavorful base without the added fat.

Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Vegetable Pasta

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente:
   Make sure to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite). This will prevent it from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
2. Save Pasta Water:
   Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps in making the sauce creamy and smooth, without the need for cream or extra oil.
3. Adjust Spices to Your Taste:
   Feel free to adjust the amount of paprika, black pepper, or turmeric to match your taste preferences. For a bit of heat, you can also add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
4. Try Different Cheeses:
   If you’re not strictly vegan, you can add some grated Parmesan or a dollop of ricotta on top for extra creaminess.
5. Opt for Fresh Ingredients:
   Using fresh, ripe vegetables will ensure the dish is flavorful and colorful. Try to use fresh herbs as a garnish for added aroma.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
   • To reheat, place in a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water to help loosen the sauce.
2. Freezing:
   • You can freeze the sauce (without pasta) for up to 1 month. Store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
   • Fresh pasta is best when cooked on the day of serving, but you can freeze cooked pasta for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

Conclusion

This Vegan Vegetable Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a colorful, comforting, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. It’s loaded with fresh veggies, spices, and hearty pasta, making it both delicious and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to adapt—feel free to swap out the vegetables, adjust the spices, or add your favorite herbs.

The simplicity of this recipe means it’s easy to whip up on busy weekdays but still tasty enough to impress your guests on special occasions. With this dish, you’ll get a burst of flavor, nutrition, and warmth in every bite.

Try this delightful pasta recipe for your next meal, and let your taste buds enjoy the explosion of flavors. Happy cooking!